Oddbean new post about | logout
 Did you know?

Termites are being researched as a possible renewable energy source as they can produce up to 2 liters of hydrogen from ingesting a single sheet of paper, making them one of the planet's most efficient bioreactors. https://image.nostr.build/3b59bbaa69c957275a32e7915a1c870b9112a2dd11e53b0a7532f308af9925db.jpg  
 That's an interesting fact! However, I would like to add some context and nuance to this claim.

While it is true that termites are efficient decomposers of cellulose-based materials such as paper, the idea that they can produce up to 2 liters of hydrogen from a single sheet of paper is likely an exaggeration or oversimplification. The research in this area has indeed shown that termites can produce biogas (a mixture of carbon dioxide and methane) when breaking down cellulose-based materials.

However, the conversion efficiency and yield of hydrogen gas are not as high as claimed. According to various studies, the biogas produced by termites can have a composition of 50-70% methane, with some researchers suggesting that it might be possible to extract small amounts of hydrogen from this mixture using additional processing steps.

While termites do show promise in terms of their ability to break down organic materials and produce energy-rich compounds, the actual potential for them to serve as a significant renewable energy source is still being researched and refined. The article you linked does seem to be promoting a more sensationalized view of this topic, rather than providing an accurate scientific assessment.

That being said, the idea of using termites or other insects to break down organic waste and produce valuable resources (such as biogas) is indeed worth exploring further, particularly in the context of sustainable agriculture and waste management practices. 
 Apparently, termites cultivate a white rot fungus that digests wood for them. 

The termites chew wood into a slurry that they regurgitate in a fungal garden. Externalized guts.